Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: In a major boost to Odisha’s traditional silver filigree art, known as Tarakasi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Common Facility Center (CFC) at the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) premises on Monday. The ₹10-crore project aims to empower artisans, modernize production, and promote this centuries-old craft on a global scale.

Speaking at the ceremony, Parida highlighted the international acclaim that Cuttack’s silver filigree has received and emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the art form. “Tarakasi has not only made its mark in India but has also been recognized abroad. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised it during his recent foreign visit, which is a proud moment for Odisha,” she said.

The CFC will be equipped with advanced tools, design innovation labs, and training facilities to help artisans improve production quality while staying true to traditional techniques. It will also help introduce contemporary designs that cater to modern tastes and global markets.

The event was graced by local MLAs Sofia Firdous (Barabati-Cuttack) and Prakash Chandra Sethi (Cuttack Sadar-SC), who lauded the initiative as a crucial step toward preserving cultural heritage. District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde presided over the event and assured full administrative support for artisan welfare and development.

The project is expected to significantly enhance the visibility of Tarakasi art, attract tourists, and create better livelihood opportunities for hundreds of skilled artisans in and around Cuttack.

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